Falls Flashcards
Risk factors, DAME and interventions
1
Q
Risk factors
A
- Gait and balance disturbance
- Personal factors
- Medication
- Alcohol
- Previous falls
- Medical conditions
- Environmental hazards
- Incontinence
- Muscle weakness
- Cognitive impairment
2
Q
What is DAME?
A
D = drugs and alcohol
A = age related problems
M = medical illness
E = environmental factors
3
Q
Drugs and alcohol - problems and interventions
A
- Drugs that affect CNS and BP = medication review
- Polypharmacy = drug history and medication review.
- Sedatives = complete an effective assessment and management
- Alcohol = Alcohol liaison services.
4
Q
Age related problems and interventions
A
- Mobility and balance impairment = good assessment such as gait/ balance and use of appropriate equipment.
- Sensory impairment = visual, hearing, cognitive and confidence assessment.
5
Q
Medical illness problems and interventions
A
- Syncope = assessment such as lying and standing blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular = 12 lead ECG
- Neurological = neurological review
- Skeletal = x-rays
- Acute illness/ infection = early treatment.
6
Q
Environmental problems and interventions
A
- Unfamiliar environment = orientate to environment
- Obstacles = remove obstacles
- Lighting = review, fix
- Flooring = correct footwear, glasses and walking aids
